Symptoms
- check_circleIrregular ragged holes in the middle of leaves
- check_circleHoles along leaf edges
- check_circleShothole pattern — many small round holes
- check_circleSkeleton leaves — only veins remaining
Causes
- arrow_rightCaterpillars — large irregular holes, frass (droppings) visible
- arrow_rightSlugs and snails — ragged holes, especially on lower leaves and at ground level; slime trail
- arrow_rightVine weevil adult beetles — notched edges to leaves
- arrow_rightFlea beetles — tiny round holes (shothole) on brassicas
- arrow_rightEarwigs — irregular holes, mostly on soft petals and leaves
How to Diagnose
Inspect at night with a torch — slugs, snails, earwigs, and many caterpillars feed nocturnally. Check for droppings (caterpillars), slime trails (slugs/snails), or the pest itself hiding under leaves or in the soil during the day.
Treatment
Remove pests by hand where possible. For caterpillars: inspect and pick off, or use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray. For slugs/snails: use slug pellets, copper tape, or set beer traps. For vine weevil: check the roots for larvae (white grubs); use nematode biological control (Steinernema kraussei).
Prevention
Use physical barriers (copper tape, grit) around vulnerable plants. Encourage natural predators — frogs, hedgehogs, birds. Check plants regularly. Remove debris where pests shelter during the day.
Affected Plants
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